Last night we held our AGM in the clubhouse. The committee member reports all went smoothly and apart from a bit of moss, and some temperamental lawn mowers, I am pleased to say we are doing all right, thank you very much!
Here are some photos from the evening:
In the internal competitions this year, Steve Edney won his first open trophy, narrowly beating Tom Eddy in the final, after impressive wins against stalwarts Mike Lambert and Hugh Stephenson.
Roger Stearn swept through to the Handicap Knockout Cup, beating David Cooke in the final. Roger has only been with us two seasons and he has two victories in this competition already!
Roger Stearn teamed up with Bob Knox to win the Doubles Knockout, beating Steve Edney and Simon Charrington, in a closely fought final.
Steve Edney managed to cling on to the League, although Roger Stearn ended up on the same number of points AND hoops run. Steve took the title because he managed to win his two games against Roger.
Steve Edney also won the Golf Knockout, coming from behind to beat Hugh Stephenson in the final.
Most improved player was most certainly Roger Stearn, who also performed valiantly for us in our external league games. The player to watch, though, is new boy Simon Charrington (he has a “How to Play Croquet” book).
Roger Dollimore, our chairman for the past 12 years, is going to take a well deserved rest from all the things he does for our club (he does everything). In recognition, Geraldine presented Roger with the Club Member of the Year. Mike Lambert proposed that – reminiscent of Brazil and the Jules Rimet Cup in 1970 – Roger should be allowed to keep the cup. Everyone else seconded that emotion. Bob, the Acting Treasurer, also opened up the coffers and presented Roger with some bottles of fine wine too.
A new committee was sworn into office, and will meet in the coming weeks to figure it all out. Thankfully Roger will still be around to give advice and help where he can.
And finally… we won the South East Counties Federation (SECF) B League for the first time in our 30 year history! Things are certainly looking up for Croquet!
